My Korean-American Life

  Maehwa is neither plum nor apricot. It existed only in Korea, China, and Japan before its introduction to the West. Europeans often called it the Japanese apricot, or ume (its Japanese pronunciation), because Japan opened to the West earlier than China and Korea. Although maehwa is native to China and remains the national flower of the Republic of China (Taiwan), its profound cultural influence inspires countless Korean artworks that cherish its beauty, fragrance, and spirit. The Maehwa represents "Hope in Adversity." It teaches us that the deepest fragrance is earned only by those who have endured the coldest winds.  I planted two maehwa saplings a few years ago. Those are in full bloom in mid-March. I stepped out into the front yard to gather some blossoms, then used them to make tea and added them to a bibimbap topped with Dallae-jang. In early spring, you can eat its flowers and leaves; in June, it gives its fruit, Maesil . Koreans use maesil to prepare maesil-cheong ...

  Dallae 달래, widely known as the Korean wild chive, is a native Korean term derived from the round, dangling bulb. A small, translucent white bulb—the "pearl"—grounded in a sharp, garlicky heat, trailing into slender green manes carries the scent of rain-soaked grass. 🌿 Health Benefits In traditional Eastern wisdom, Dallae is a warming herb, meant to move the blood that has grown stagnant during the cold months. The Blood’s Companion: Rich in Vitamin C and Calcium, it is famously known as a remedy for Spring Fatigue. It awakens the metabolism and sharpens the appetite. Natural Warmth: Because it contains allicin (the same compound found in garlic), it acts as a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent, strengthening the immune system against the fickle winds of March. Restorative Sleep: It is believed to calm the nerves and aid in sleep, acting as a bridge between the restless energy of spring and the quiet of the night. 🌿 Culinary Uses To eat Dallae is to consu...

  Butterbur ( Petasites hybridus ) is a lesser-known but highly beneficial plant that has been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. All parts of it—including its flowers, leaves, stems, and roots—can be used. The traditional Korean culinary wisdom tells Butterbur (known as Meowi in Korea) is a plant that embodies the transition from the frozen earth to the vibrant green of the new year.  In early spring, its flowers, the first to break through the soil, are best to make tea and the young stalks and leaves are harvested when they are at their most tender. As the season progresses into the heat of summer, the stalks grow thicker and more fibrous, requiring more intensive preparation but offering a deeper, more robust flavor. To enjoy butterbur’s summer harvest, one must first master the art of blanching and peeling. The outer skin of the stalk is tough and must be stripped away—a tactile, meditative task—revealing a succulent, pale green interior that re...

  Roth IRA, Backdoor Roth & Mega Backdoor Roth Recently, a friend of mine (let’s call him David, 57 years old) said at a dinner that he contributed $8000 to Roth IRA without realizing his income above the threshold and had to pay the penalty. And he asked me for advice. As Roth IRA offers major benefits, such as Tax-free growth on investments, No required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the owner's lifetime, it can become a powerful long-term tax hedge for investors expecting to remain in high tax brackets—or those concerned about future tax increases. However, The IRS restricts direct Roth contributions for higher earners.* In case if you contribute to Roth despite your income above the threshold, it triggers a 6% excise tax per year it sits in the account. Here's a breakdown of David’s situation: Assuming he doesn’t have any balance in traditional IRA There are two ways to fix this, and the right one depends on timing.--- The penalty: The IRS charges a 6% excise t...